Toyota recalls 800,000 Camry, Avalon and Venza models for airbag fix

This Toyota Camry is among the 800,000 Camry, Avalon and Venza models that the automaker is recalling to fix an air bag problem.

This Toyota Camry is among the 800,000 Camry, Avalon and Venza models that the automaker is recalling to fix an air bag problem. (Toyota)

Jerry Hirsch

Toyota will recall about 803,000 cars, including the Camry, Avalon, and Venza, because of a problem that could inadvertently set off an airbag or shut down the power steering on the vehicles.

All of the cars are from the 2012 and 2013 model years. Even the hybrid versions of the Avalon and Camry are included.

Toyota said water from the air conditioning condenser unit housing could leak onto the airbag control module in the cars and cause a short-circuit. This can trigger the airbag warning light and in some instances, it will disable an air bag. In three cases, an air bag has unexpectedly deployed. There were two minor injuries, according to the automaker.

Also, the power steering assist function could become inoperable if a wire in the airbag control module is damaged.

Toyota plans to fix the problem by applying sealant and installing a cover to the air conditioning condenser unit housing seam located above the airbag control module.

Owners of the involved vehicles will be notified by mail to return their vehicles to a Toyota dealer for the repair.